"We want to make a strong statement together as the Memphis community. We know that facing up to the horrors of racial violence in our history is essential to the health of our community."

The prayer service will be held along the Wolf River near Summer Avenue, close to the site of both murders. It will begin at 3 p.m., about the time a lynch mob began forming on Monday, May 21, 1917.

...

Both women believe Sunday's commemoration is needed. Both want to participate.

"When I think about what happened then," Whitney said, "and I look at my life now, the opportunities and choices I'm able to make, I'm grateful for the struggle and sacrifices my ancestors made for me."

Miller wants to be there for her nine-year-old daughter. "We talk about race and equality and justice," Miller said.

"No one got justice then. We need to talk about that, acknowledge and understand that, so we can work to repair the damage and make sure it doesn't happen again."